Auto crash kills 10, injures 45 in Zamfara

Hit-and-run crushes cyclist to death in Anambra
No fewer than 10 passengers have died in a road traffic accident along Kasuwar Daji-Gusau road in Zamfara State. This was confirmed in a statement by the Zamfara State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Muhammad Shehu.

Shehu stated that 45 other passengers sustained various degrees of injuries in the accident that occurred on Saturday night.

He said: “With all sadness and sorrow, the Zamfara police command wishes to announce the death of 10 passengers following their involvement in a fatal motor vehicle accident along Kasuwar Daji – Gusau road.

“On 18th April, 2020 at about 9:00p.m., a trailer vehicle conveying passengers and goods from Kasuwar Daji Market was involved in a fatal accident. The incident, which resulted in the death of 10 passengers on the spot, also led to 45 others sustaining various degrees of injuries,” NAN quoted him as saying.

Shehu explained that the bodies of the passengers have been deposited at the mortuary of Federal Medical Center, Gusau, where those injured are receiving treatment.
According to him, investigation into the cause of the accident had commenced.

“The command appealed to the general public, especially drivers of commercial vehicles to refrain from reckless driving and obey all traffic regulations. Violators will face the full wrath of the law,” he said.

Also yesterday, a hit-and-run driver killed a middle-aged man at Odumodu Junction, Umunya, along Nteje-Onitsha Expressway in Anambra State. The State Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr. Andrew Kumapayi, who confirmed the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Awka, said the accident occurred at about 6:30a.m.

Kumapayi said the victim was rushed to Chira Specialist Hospital, Ifite Awkuzu, but was confirmed dead.

“On getting to the scene, the FRSC rescue team from Nteje Unit Command, found a middle aged man lying helplessly on the ground. We also found a Sayang Ladies motorbike at the scene of the accident. The victim was rushed to Chira Specialist Hospital, Ifite Awkuzu, where he was confirmed dead by doctors on duty. The body has been taken away by the family,” he said.

He cautioned motorists against speed limit violations. According to him, it could lead to loss of control and road accidents.

Meanwhile, over 11 vehicles, including two police patrol vans were at the weekend involved in a multiple crash near River Niger Bridgehead, Onitsha, Anambra State. The crash reportedly occurred when a Mack Truck with registration number JJT887XG, loaded with iron lost control and rammed into the ten vehicles after developing brake failure. No life was lost in the incident.

The State Sector Public Education Officer, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Pascal Anigbo, confirmed the incident to newsmen. He said a total of 17 persons comprising of 15 males and 2 females were involved in the crash, but that no death or injury was recorded in the incident.

He said: “The vehicles involved included M/Benz 911 with registration number XT492ENU, two Police IVM-065, M/Benz Truck with registration number AJL358XA, J5 with registration number AAH697ZV and Skygo tricycle without registration number.

“Others were Toyota Hiace with registration number JJJ855XD, Lexus RX350 with registration number APP149FH, Toyota Hiace with registration number KSF180XU and Toyota Hiace with registration number 114YQ.”

He said all obstructions had been cleared by FRSC operatives from Onitsha Unit Command, adding that the truck that caused the crash was impounded at the Bridge Head Police Station.

“The Sector Commander, Andrew Kumapayi admonishes all to stay at home to observe the lockdown, which has been put in place to curb the spread of COVID-19. He reiterates the directives that any vehicle without authorisation or does not belong to essential services will be impounded and the occupants prosecuted.”